The A.M. READ newsletter is a news tipsheet highlighting LGBTQ+ news and HRC updates. It covers a wide range of topics from breaking news to politics to LGBTQ+ pop culture to sports and everything in between.

THE LATEST TEA

HRC’S TORI COOPER ON WHAT TRANS VISIBILITY MEANS FOR HER: Ahead of Trans Day of Visibility, held annually on March 31^st since 2009, HRC’s Director of Strategic Outreach and Training Tori Cooper spoke with The Body about her HIV advocacy work and what Trans Day of Visibility means for her. “[Trans Day of Visibility is] an opportunity for those of us who are somewhere on the trans spectrum to have a day not only where we get to recognize each other, but for there to be a level of education around trans and gender-expansive people that doesn’t exist any other day. It’s an opportunity for us to present the world the truth about trans people, which is that we’re as normal and boring as everyone else—and also as exciting and not boring as other people! Our journey in life just happens to be a little bit different,” said Cooper. Read the full story here.

MEXICO-BASED LGBTQ+ SHELTER FEARS IMPACT OF TRUMP ADMIN’S CUTS TO FOREIGN ASSISTANCE: Casa Frida, a Mexico-based shelter supporting LGBTQ+ migrants fleeing identity-based violence, has lost 60% of its funding due to Trump’s suspension of foreign assistance programs. The shelter offers safe spaces, education and assistance with refugee applications, providing crucial support and protection to those it serves. As many LGBTQ+ migrants are unable to return to their home country without experiencing violent persecution, shelter staff are worried that the funding cuts will limit the services they can provide and the beneficiaries they can support—illustrating the harmful impact of the Trump Administration’s policies on LGBTQ+ people abroad. Read more about the story here. 

SPOTLIGHT STORY

HONORING TYRONE SMITH, CELEBRATED LGBTQ+ AND HIV/AIDS ACTIVIST: Longtime, award-winning LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS awareness advocate Tyrone Smith passed away last month at age 82. From establishing the Impact organization in 1984 and the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council in 2005 to serving as adviser to two Philadelphia mayors while raising awareness of racism, discrimination, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQ+ issues, Smith is remembered by former colleagues as “an agent of change” and a “true icon.” As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith “earned a Red Ribbon Award from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS for his community health-care work, a Living Legacy Award from Philadelphia’s LGBTQ Hall of Fame, and other awards and citations from city officials and group leaders.” There’s no doubt that Smith’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of community leaders. Read more about Smith’s life and impact here.